Smart watches and fitness trackers could offer a remote connection to patients, as
well as a way of tracking their progress on meeting health goals. But their application
depends on the patient and the physician.

New laws in Kentucky meant to curb opioid misuse were drafted from the standpoint
of law enforcement and not medical practice, leading to areas of confusion for clinicians
and their staff. ACP created a model that practices could follow to improve care for
patients.

Internists are in position to screen for and spot signs of post-traumatic stress disorder
following life-threatening medical events such as heart attack and stroke. Yet this
is not always part of usual care.

An important and emerging need for medical students is developing the ability to apply
knowledge and use it to determine the correct diagnoses for individual patients. Diagnostic
reasoning has only recently begun to be specifically taught in medical school and
residency.

With the Affordable Care Act in the midst of its third annual open enrollment period,
more people are insured and most enrollees like their coverage. But now, it may be
getting harder to sign people up.

Physicians have always been charged as agents to advocate for patients' best interests.
Simultaneously, however, they are tasked with considering using resources wisely.
These commitments can sometimes conflict and create tradeoffs in clinical decision
making.

The cost of medications can be a significant barrier for many patients who are on
a fixed income or who might be taking multiple, sometimes expensive drugs. Medicare
Advantage and Medicare Part D plans might provide a solution for your patients, and
there are tools to help with the enrollment process.

A 24-year-old woman is evaluated for a 1-month history of increasing pain and bleeding
from a skin ulcer next to her stoma. The skin symptoms get worse each time she changes
her appliance. She underwent proctocolectomy 4 years ago for medically refractory
colonic Crohn disease. She has not had small-bowel involvement, and her ostomy output
has been stable since surgery. Following a physical exam and skin findings, what is
the most likely cause?.

Chapters honor Members, Fellows, and Masters of ACP who have demonstrated by their
example and conduct an abiding commitment to excellence in medical care, education,
research, or service to their community, their chapter, and ACP.

Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. ACP Internist provides news and information for internists about the practice of medicine and reports on the policies, products and activities of ACP. All published material, which is covered by copyright, represents the views of the contributor and does not reflect the opinion of the American College of Physicians or any other institution unless clearly stated.